Jersey City mayor Steven Fulop has revealed new details for a three-acre public park at 567 Pavonia Avenue in Journal Square, New Jersey. Known as Courthouse Park, the space will debut as the neighborhood’s largest public park.
The lot sits within the Hudson County Justice Complex along Newark Avenue. After years of negotiations between the Fulop administration and Hudson County officials, an agreement was struck to allow Jersey City to commission the design and build-out of Courthouse Park.
The goal of the project is to improve access to public open space in an area that has experienced a boom in private development. Transformation of the campus also includes the construction of the forthcoming Frank J. Guarini Justice Complex. Designed by Rafael Viñoly, the complex will house 24 courtrooms, a 75-seat dining hall, a library, and a 459-vehicle parking garage.
“We’re not only working to improve Jersey City’s parks system, but we’re also taking it a step further by finding innovative ways to create new parks and preserve open space in the rapidly growing urban core of Jersey City,” said mayor Fulop. “This much-needed Courthouse Park in the heart of Journal Square is another important piece to our broader efforts in reviving Journal Square, attracting residents, visitors, shoppers, and key investments, stimulating Jersey City’s economy, and ultimately helping to maintain affordability and flat taxes.”
Mayor Fulop’s administration also worked and negotiated with local community groups for nearly five years on an acceptable plan to transform the county-owned lot. Following the agreement with Hudson County officials, the administration continues to host community meetings for additional public input.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to implement new park infrastructure in one of the most densely populated cities in the country,” said Barkha Patel, director of Jersey City’s Department of Infrastructure. “Through a community-centered process, we will be prioritizing the needs of the residents who live directly adjacent to the area and have not had easy access to a park for decades, while also advancing a world-class design that is in alignment with our citywide goals of sustainability, resilience, transportation equity, innovation, and smart growth.”
Earlier this year, Jersey City allocated $15 million to design and complete Courthouse Park.
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Where is the park? I only see a parking lot.